Joseph Reynolds

Joseph Reynolds testified for the prosecution on Day 33 about the Watertown confrontation early on April 19. The Watertown patrolman said a carjacking alert and GPS information led him to a black Mercedes traveling behind a green Honda. He testified that Tamerlan Tsarnaev exited the Mercedes and fired at his cruiser. Reynolds described subsequent gunfire and thrown explosives, including a larger device resembling a cooking pot, but could not identify the later shooter or the bomb throwers. He also described warning Sergeant John MacLellan and pulling him away from the approaching larger bomb.

Reynolds said that while officers were struggling to handcuff Tamerlan, the Mercedes drove toward them and ran over him. He identified Dzhokhar Tsarnaev as the driver and identified the defendant in court. According to Reynolds, the Mercedes then struck his parked cruiser, broke free, and escaped. Reynolds helped handcuff Tamerlan before administering rescue breaths to Officer Donohue and helping carry him into an ambulance.

On cross-examination by Timothy G. Watkins, Reynolds confirmed that Donohue survived. Questioned about the later shooting, he initially cited dim lighting and an inability to see who was firing, then confirmed that Tamerlan had the gun when engaging Officer Pugliese and running toward Reynolds. On redirect by Steven D. Mellin, Reynolds clarified that he could not identify who had the gun or fired throughout the entire exchange and agreed that either suspect could have fired. He was then excused.